Recipe of the Week: Baked Ziti

Hearty, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this classic Italian-American dish warms the soul with every bite.

Baked Ziti is a beloved Italian-American comfort food that began as a simple baked pasta dish in Southern Italy, known as 'ziti al forno.' It became a staple in Italian-American households, cherished for its affordability and adaptability, often served at family gatherings and Sunday dinners. This dish has earned its place as a favorite comfort food due to its irresistible combination of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, evoking a sense of homely warmth and togetherness.

🛒 Ingredients

For the pasta

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• Salt for boiling water

For the sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheese layer

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembling and baking

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until it is just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, then pour in the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the cheese mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix until well combined and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the baked ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, then top with half of the remaining sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the sauce and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the dish

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the dish to set and be easier to slice into portions.